A JOINT research initiative led by Curtin University will investigate the feasibility of community pharmacists taking a more active role in osteoarthritis (OA) care across Australia, consistent with the Australian Clinical Care Standard for knee OA.
In partnership with the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, the University of Otago, and the Auckland University of Technology, Curtin researchers will conduct a nationwide survey of community pharmacists to assess their preparedness and willingness to deliver high-value care to people living with knee OA.
Community pharmacist, academic and lead researcher Dr Kim Watkins, from the Curtin School of Allied Health, said for many Australians, community pharmacists are more accessible, possibly making them an invaluable yet under-utilised resource.
"Despite the prevalence, impact, and cost of osteoarthritis, the quality of care in Australia falls short, and substantial gaps persist," Watkins explained.
"Many patients do not receive timely care to improve their function and manage pain, and the more than 6,000 community pharmacies across Australia could potentially play a more defined role in bridging these gaps.
"We need to investigate these possibilities by hearing from pharmacists - what do they think is feasible?" Watkins added.
Curtin Medical School co-investigator and President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Dr Fei Sim, said this critical information will help to better co-design health services and research in the future.
"We hope community pharmacists working at the coalface will tell us about their experiences, challenges, and opportunities to contribute to osteoarthritis care," Sim said.
Arthritis Australia Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Smithers said new ways needs to be found "to deliver healthcare to meet the huge unmet need of people living with osteoarthritis, and we believe community pharmacy can play an important role".
Pharmacists are encouraged to contribute to the research, HERE. JG
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